Demeter
Demeter EuropeDemeter of Greece, Ceres of Italy—the goddess of vegetation and fruitfulness, especially corn—had several consorts, including Zeus and Poseidon. When the amorous sea god began to pursue Demeter, she was already engaged in seeking her abducted daughter Persephone. Demeter turned herself into a mare and mingled with grazing horses. Poseidon perceived the trick, and coupled with her in the shape of a stallion. Their offspring were a mysterious daughter and a black stallion. By Zeus the corn goddess bore Persephone, the dying and reviving daughter. According to Orphic tradition—one of the Greek ‘mystery’ cults—Rhea as Demeter had forbidden Zeus to marry. At this the sky god sought to rape his mother. When Rhea turned herself into a serpent, Zeus did likewise, and as serpents they coupled together. When in turn Zeus enjoyed their daughter Persephone, he also assumed a serpent-like form and begot Dionysus.
The Athenians were ardent...
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